Fluid Conduit Connection

ABSTRACT

A fluid conduit connector assembly includes a connector having a body with an inner surface defining a fluid channel. The connector also includes an inlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, and an outlet region for flow of fluid from the fluid channel. The connector further includes an axial alignment member outward of the body, and a pair of flexible tabs arranged generally circumferentially of the alignment member and outward of the body. The connector can be configured as a day-side connector, transfer member with check valve, and/or patient-side connector. An implementation includes a day-side connector, a patient-side connector, and a transfer member, each of which has a pair of flexible tabs. The pairs of tabs are configured such that the transfer member releasably couples the day-side and patient-side connectors. A method for aseptically connecting a fluid conduit is also disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description relates to fluid conduit connection.

BACKGROUND

Many diagnostic and operative surgical procedures, such as arthroscopicprocedures, require the delivery of sterile irrigation fluid to anarticular joint body cavity during the course of the surgical procedure.The irrigation fluid maintains distension of the articular cavity andensures clear visualization of the articular space during the procedure.The irrigation fluid is pumped from an irrigation source, such as afluid bag, through various interconnected tubing delivery sets to thearticular joint body cavity.

Irrigation fluid can be delivered from the fluid source to the articularjoint body cavity using a single-use sterile tubing set. The tubing setincludes, for example, a pumping mechanism, intravenous bag spikes,plastic tubing, pinch clamps and a distal-end instrument connector, thatconnects to an arthroscopic inflow instrument. At the conclusion of thesurgical procedure the entire tubing set, including the pumpingmechanism, is typically disposed to maintain an aseptic operatingenvironment.

Alternatively, irrigation fluid can be delivered from the fluid sourcethrough a reusable section (day-set) and a single-use, disposablesection (patient-set). The day-set is typically intended to be used forone day with different patients and includes the pumping mechanismconnected to a reusable tubing set (day-side tubing set). The day-sidetubing set is connected to an inflow tubing set (patient set) fordelivering fluid to the joint body cavity. The patient set isnon-reusable and is changed on a per patient basis. The patient setincludes a one-way check valve intended to prevent backflow into thereusable day set, such that the patient does not become contaminated.

SUMMARY

According to one general aspect, a fluid connector assembly provides asurgeon with a device for easily and rapidly connecting anddisconnecting patients sets to and from day sets. The fluid connectorassembly preferably maintains an aseptic surgical environment byavoiding unacceptable contamination of the day set both during asurgical procedure and when the day set is not connected to a patientset.

According to another general aspect, a fluid conduit connector assemblyincludes a connector having a body with an inner surface defining afluid channel. The fluid conduit connector assembly also includes aninlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, and an outletregion for flow of fluid from the fluid channel. The connector furtherincludes an axial alignment member outward of the body, and a pair offlexible tabs arranged generally circumferentially of the alignmentmember and outward of the body.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For example, the fluid connector assembly includes an annularflange connecting the alignment member and the tabs. The connectorassembly includes an opposing axial alignment member outward of thebody. The alignment members are rails. The outlet region of the body hasan outer surface that defines an annular groove, and there is an O-ringwithin the groove. The inlet region of the body has an outer surfacedefining an annular groove, and there is an O-ring within the groove.The connector includes a check valve.

The connector includes a patient-side connector and a transfer member.The transfer member has a body with an inner surface defining a fluidchannel. The transfer member includes an inlet region for flow of fluidinto the fluid channel, and an outlet region for flow of fluid from thefluid channel. The transfer member further includes an axial alignmentmember outward of the body, and a pair of flexible tabs arrangedgenerally circumferentially of the alignment member and outward of thebody. The transfer member includes a check valve. The transfer memberincludes an opposing axial alignment member outward of the body. Thetransfer member alignment members face inward, and the transfer memberincludes an opposing pair of alignment members facing outward.

The connector assembly includes a day-side connector. The transfermember is releasably attachable to the day-side connector and thepatient-side connector. The day-side connector includes a body with aninner surface defining a fluid channel. The day-side connector alsoincludes an inlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, andan outlet region for flow of fluid from the fluid channel. The day-sideconnector further includes an axial alignment member outward of thebody, and a pair of flexible tabs arranged generally circumferentiallyof the alignment member and outward of the body. Each of the alignmentmembers and each of the tabs are aligned such that the day-sideconnector, the patient-side connector, and the transfer member can beattached by sliding the alignment members relative to each other, anddetached by pressing on respective tabs.

According to another general aspect, a fluid conduit connector assemblyincludes a day-side connector that has a pair of flexible tabs, apatient-side connector that has a pair of flexible tabs, and a transfermember that has a pair of flexible tabs. The three pairs of tabs areconfigured such that the transfer member releasably couples the day-sideand patient-side connectors.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For example, the day-side connector, the patient-sideconnector and the transfer member each include an alignment member. Whencoupled, the alignment members cause the three pairs of tabs to align.

According to another general aspect, a method for aseptically connectinga fluid conduit includes coupling a first fluid connector having a firstfluid outlet and a releasable transfer member to a second fluidconnector having a second fluid outlet to form a leak resistant fluidconnection. The transfer member is coupled in a position intermediate tothe first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet, and includes a checkvalve for controlling flow in a direction from the first fluid outlettoward the second fluid outlet. The method also includes removing thefirst fluid connector from the transfer member and the second fluidconnector, where the transfer member and the second fluid connectorretain the leak resistant fluid connection.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fluid management system.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a fluid conduit connector assembly.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a day-side tubing connector.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a transfer cap and patient-side tubingconnector aligned for connection with the day-side tubing connector ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transfer cap and patient-side tubingconnector connected with the day-side tubing connector of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the transfer cap operatively connectedwith the day-side tubing connector and with the patient-side tubingconnector removed.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the fluid conduit connector assembly showingthe day-side tubing connector operatively connected to the transfer capand the patient-side tubing connector.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the fluid conduit connector assembly takenalong line 9-9 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid conduit connectorassembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the day-side tubing connector.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the day-side tubing connector of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the day-side tubing connector of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the day-side tubing connector taken alongline 14-14 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the day-side tubing connector taken alongline 15-15 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the patient-side tubing connector shownwithout being connected to a transfer cap.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the patient-side tubing connector of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the patient-side tubing connector of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is an end view of the patient-side tubing connector.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the patient-side tubing connector takenalong line 20-20 in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the patient-side tubing connector takenalong line 21-21 in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a transfer cap.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the transfer cap of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the transfer cap of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is an end view of the transfer cap of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the transfer cap taken along line 26-26in FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of the transfer cap taken along line 27-27in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 28A-E are perspective views of a fluid conduit connector assemblyaccording to another embodiment.

FIGS. 29A-D are perspective view of a fluid conduit connector assemblyaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a fluid conduit connector assemblyaccording to a another embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the fluid conduit connector assembly ofFIG. 30 shown with the day-side tubing connector and the patient-sidetubing connector engaged but not operatively connected to permit a flowof fluid therebetween.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the fluid conduit connector assemblytaken along line 32-32 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the fluid conduit connector assemblytaken along line 33-33 in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of the fluid conduit connector assemblytaken along line 33-33 and with a male luer connector operativelyconnected with a female luer connector.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a fluid conduit connector assemblyaccording to a another embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the fluid conduit connector assembly ofFIG. 35 showing a patient-side tubing connector operatively connected toa day-side tubing connector.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the fluid conduit connector assembly ofFIG. 35 with a patient-side tubing connector removed.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the fluid conduit connector assembly ofFIG. 35 with transfer cap removed.

FIG. 39 is a side view of the fluid conduit connector assembly of FIG.35 with the day-side tubing connector operatively connected to thetransfer cap and patient-side tubing connector.

FIG. 40 is a sectional view of the fluid conduit connector assemblytaken along line 40-40 in FIG. 39.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a fluid conduit connector assembly 51 forconnecting patient tubing to day tubing in a fluid management system100, such as the fluid management system described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/423,899, filed Jun. 13, 2006, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein, includes a first connector200 and second connector 400. The fluid management system 100 includesan outlet conduit 45 formed by sections of surgical tubing 50 a, 50 b,which are connected by connector assembly 51. The system 100 alsoincludes a check valve 52 located in surgical tubing section 50 b. Inaddition, the system 100 includes a surgical tubing connector 53, suchas male and female luer connectors or another suitable connectorassembly, connecting the surgical tubing section 50 b to a cannula 60.The cannula typically is made of steel or plastic.

The fluid management system 100 includes a day-side set 35 of components(including, for example, first connector 200, a pump cassette 30,control unit 20, day-side surgical tubing section 50 a, and inletconduit 15) and a patient-side set 55 of components (including, forexample, second connector 400, patient-side surgical tubing section 50b, check valve 52, and surgical tubing connector 54). The day-side set35 and the patient-side set 55 are connected to each other by the fluidconduit connector assembly 51. The day-side set 35 generally includesreusable components, e.g., that can be used for multiple procedures orpatients, such as the pump cassette 30 or day-side surgical tubingsection 50 a. The patient-side set 55 includes single-use componentsthat are generally disposed of after a surgical procedure and are usedfor only a single patient, such as the surgical tubing connector 54 andpatient-side surgical tubing section 50 b.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fluid conduit connector assembly 51connects and disconnects the day-side surgical tubing section 50 a withthe patient-side surgical tubing section 50 b. The fluid conduitconnector assembly 51 includes the day-side connector 200, a transfermember or cap 300, and the patient-side connector 400. The transfer cap300 fits over the day-side connector 200 with a female-male fit andwithin the patient-side connector 400 with a male-female fit.Accordingly, surgical fluid flows along a fluid path defined by theday-side surgical tubing section 50 a, the day-side connector 200, thetransfer cap 300, the patient-side connector 400, and the patient-sidesurgical tubing section 50 b. The transfer cap 300 includes a one-waycheck valve 380 that permits fluid flow from the day-side set 35 to thepatient-side set 55.

Referring to FIG. 10, the day-side connector 200, transfer cap 300, andpatient-side connector 400 each includes at least one alignment member.Connector 200, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 11, has a pair ofalignment rails 227 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 10), andtransfer cap 300, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 22, has a pairof alignment grooves 327 for receiving the rails. Transfer cap 300 alsohas a pair of alignment formations 312, and connector 400 has a pair ofalignment grooves 412 for receiving the alignment formations. Theday-side connector 200, transfer cap 300, and patient-side connector 400each also includes a pair of tabs 210, 310, 410, respectively (only oneof each pair of tabs being shown in FIG. 10.) Each of the alignmentmembers and each of the tabs are aligned such that the day-sideconnector, the patient-side connector, and the transfer member can beattached by sliding the alignment members relative to each other, anddetached by pressing on respective tabs. The day-side connector tabs 210include raised leading ends 211 (shown in FIG. 11) that operatively fitwithin a recess 307 (shown in FIG. 22) defined by the tabs 310 of thetransfer cap 300. The transfer cap tabs 310 include raised leading ends315 (shown in FIG. 22) that operatively fit within a recess 407 (shownin FIG. 16) defined by the tabs 415 (shown in FIG. 16) of the patientside connector 400.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, a process of connecting the patient-side set 55to the day-side set 35 includes connecting the patient-side connector400 to the day-side connector 200 by way of the releasable transfer cap300 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The transfer cap 300 is initially secured to thepatient-side connector 400 by fitting the annular outlet opening 330 andannular outlet flange 321 within the internal cavity 429 (see FIG. 10)and engaging leading ends 315 of tabs 310 within recesses 407. Theday-side connector 200 is attached to the transfer cap 300 by fittingthe exposed male connector 225 within the internal cavity 329 (see FIG.10) and engaging leading ends 211 of tabs 210 within recesses 307.

Referring to FIG. 5, the alignment rails 227 and the alignment grooves327 ensure that the transfer cap 300 and patient-side connector 400 areproperly aligned by medical personnel positioning the patient-sideconnector 400 and transfer cap 300 in one of only two acceptable,symmetrical alignment positions. The male connector 225 is properlyengaged with the transfer cap 300 when the tabs 210 (see FIG. 10)snap-fit within the recesses 307 (see FIG. 22) of the transfer cap 300.

After completion of a surgical procedure, medical personnel release thepatient side connector 400 by squeezing the tabs 410 (see FIG. 10) toremove the patient-side connector from the transfer cap 300. Referringto FIG. 7, the transfer cap 300 is left in engagement with the day-sideconnector 200 to protect the male connector 225 from unnecessaryexposure and contact while awaiting the connection of the nextpatient-side set 55. Medical personnel remove the transfer cap 300 bysqueezing the tabs 310 (see FIG. 10) and pulling the transfer cap 300off of the day-side connector to connect a new patient-side set 55.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the day-side connector 200 has a body member201 including an inlet side 226 that connects to the day-side surgicaltubing section 50 a, for example, by adhesive bonding, ultrasonicwelding or any other suitable connection method. The day-side connector200 includes an outlet end forming a male connector 225. The maleconnector 225 can also include an O-ring 205 about its outercircumference secured within an O-ring groove 206. The transfer cap 300includes a body member 301 defining an internal cavity of the annularinlet opening 335 which receives the male connector 225 of the day-sideconnector 200 with a snap-fit. The transfer cap 300 includes an annularoutlet opening 330 that includes the check valve 380 fitted therein. Thepatient-side connector 400 includes a body member 401 defining aninternal cavity 429 that receives the transfer cap 300 therein with asnap-fit and an annular inlet opening 403. The annular outlet opening330 fits over the annular inlet opening 403 that also includes an O-ring405 fitted within an O-ring groove 406 defined by the annular inletopening 403.

The day-side connector 221, transfer cap 300 and patient-side connector400 are operatively connected to each other to provide a fluid pathbetween the day-side surgical tubing section 50 a and the patient-sidesurgical tubing section 50 b. The day-side connector 200 includes aninlet side 226 defining a tapered tubing conduit 229 for receivingday-side surgical tubing section 50 a. The tapered tubing conduit 229extends axially through the day-side connector 200 and connects with atapered fluid flow path outlet 230 that connects with the check valve380 of the adjacent transfer cap 300. The check valve 380 includes avalve stem 386 extending into the tapered fluid flow path outlet 230 anda valve crown 384, which when at equilibrium or under pressure from thepatient side seals against a valve seat 385 formed around a periphery ofa flanged, annular inlet opening 335 of the transfer cap 300. The valvecrown 384 flexes when under pressure from the day side, deforming tounseat from the valve seat 385 to allow fluid flow within the taperedfluid flow path outlet 230 between an open position (see FIG. 3) and aclosed position (see FIG. 9). The annular inlet opening 335 and maletubing connection 225 form a fluid tight flow path therebetween. TheO-ring 205 is positioned within the O-ring groove 206, which is anannular recess defined by the male tubing connection 225. The valvecrown 384 flexes between a seated position (shown in FIG. 9) and an openposition (shown in FIG. 3).

Deformation of the valve crown 384 in a downstream direction of the flowpath is limited by a flanged, annular inlet opening 403 of thepatient-side connector 400. The annular inlet opening 403 and a flanged,annular outlet opening 330 of the transfer cap 300 form a fluid pathinterface between the transfer cap 300 and the patient-side connector400. The annular inlet opening 403 defines an O-ring groove 406 whichincludes an O-ring 405 positioned therein to provide a fluid tight sealbetween the annular outlet opening 330 and the annular inlet opening403. Deformation of the valve crown 384 in an upstream direction islimited by the valve seat 385. In addition, the annular inlet opening403 can include chamfered edges contoured to correspond to a valve crown384 of the check valve 385 and to reduce flow resistance at theinterface between the transfer cap 300 and patient-side connector 400.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11-15, the day-side connector 200 includes anannular flange 221 extending radially outward and circumferentially withrespect to the body 201. The tabs 210 are connected to the annularflange 221 and extend axially and circumferentially toward the maletubing connector 225. The tabs 210 each include leading ends 211 thatprotrude radially from the tabs 210 to snap-fit with the recess 307 inthe transfer cap 300. The alignment rails 227 are connected to theannular flange 221 and extend axially along and radially outward of thebody 201 toward the male tubing connector 225. The alignment rails 227are circumferentially offset with respect to the tabs 210. The alignmentrails 227 extend radially outward from the body to a height sufficientto fit within the corresponding alignment grooves 327 of the transfercap 300, such as with a sliding friction or interference fit.Accordingly, the alignment rails 227 can extend radially outward of thebody less than, equal to, or greater than the tabs 210 with respect tothe body 201. The annular flange 221 acts as a depth stop whichoperatively abuts against the transfer cap 300 to maintain the transfercap 300 in a proper axial orientation with respect to the day-sideconnector 200.

Referring to FIGS. 11-15, the tabs 210 act as leaf springs which have aninherent spring bias force that permits the relatively easy compressionof the tabs and a snap fit with adjacent quick release tabs 310, 410.The day-side connector 200 also includes optional, elongated rails 228connected to and extending axially from the annular flange 221 toward anannular inlet opening 226 side of the day-side connector 200. The rails228 permit a user to easily grasp the day-side connector 200 whenconnecting and disconnecting the transfer cap 300 and/or patient-sideconnector 400. In addition, the day-side connector 200 can include analignment indicator 204 that indicates to a user a proper orientation ofthe day-side connector 200 with the patient-side connector 400 (andalignment indicator 404 shown in FIG. 16). The alignment indicator 204is a circular, raised protuberance that fits within a correspondingrecess 317 (shown in FIGS. 22 and 25).

Referring to FIGS. 16-21, the patient-side connector 400 includes a body401 having an annular flange 421 extending radially outward andcircumferentially with respect to the body 401. The tabs 410 areconnected to the annular flange 421 and extend axially andcircumferentially toward outlet opening 428. The outlet opening 428 isdefined by an annular flange 420 that operatively abuts against anannular outlet flange 320 of the transfer cap 300. The tabs 410 eachinclude leading ends 415 that protrude radially inward from the tabs 410to abut against leading ends 315 of the transfer cap 300 when heldwithin the annular opening 428. The outlet flange 420 is connected to apair of axially extending alignment members 412 that are sized andshaped to correspond to an outer profile of alignment members 312 (FIGS.22-25) of the transfer cap. The alignment members 412 arecircumferentially offset with respect to the tabs 410 and axialcenterline CL (FIG. 9).

The patient-side connector 400 includes a window 409 to facilitatemolding the O-ring groove 406. The window 409 also allows observation ofthe connection between the annular outlet opening 330, the annular inletopening 403 and O-ring 405. The annular outlet opening 330 can beconstructed of a relatively transparent material, which allows medicalpersonnel to see the O-ring 405. For example, the annular outlet 330 canbe made of clear PVC, polypropylene or any other plastic material withsuitable properties, such as being moldable, being bondable to PVCtubing, and having high cycle life.

Referring to FIG. 9, the patient-side connector 400 includes an annularflange 430 which acts as a stop for operatively abutting against aleading edge of the annular outlet opening 330 of the transfer cap 300.The annular inlet opening 403 connects to the tapered, fluid flow outlet402 of the patient-side connector 400. The tapered, fluid flow outlet402 extends longitudinally through the patient-side connector 400 andends at a downstream side of an annular outlet opening 426 of thepatient-side connector 400. The tapered fluid flow outlet 402 andtapered fluid flow inlet 229 can each be provided with a graduallytapering surface for facilitating the easy insertion and securing ofleading ends of the surgical tubing connections 50 a, 50 b. In addition,or in the alternative, the tapered, fluid flow outlet 426 and fluid flowoutlet 226 can be secured to the tubing with an adhesive and/or byultrasonic welding.

Referring to FIGS. 16-21, the annular flange 421 and opening 428 definean annular, internal cavity 429 that is contoured to generallycorrespond to the outer peripheral edges of the transfer cap 300releasably held therein. The alignment member 412 include a pair ofraised, trapezoidally shaped grooves that are shaped to correspond tothe outer contours of the alignment rails 227 and raised, trapezoidallyshaped grooves (312 shown in FIGS. 22-25 e) that operatively fittherein. The grooves 412 provide a relatively smooth profile to theouter periphery of the fluid conduit connector assembly 51 and act asalignment grooves ensuring that the transfer cap 300 and/or day-sideconnector 200 are properly positioned and fitted within the cavity 429.The annular outlet opening 426 is defined by an annular conduit 413which also defines the internal, tapered fluid flow outlet 402. Thequick release tabs 410 are only partially secured along a first edge ofthe generally rectangular member so that the tabs 410 are relativelyeasily compressible and to impart a spring bias force.

The recess 407 is a cutout portion that provides the tabs 410 with thespring force and which acts as a detent or stop for the raised, leadingend 315 of the tabs 310 of the transfer cap 300 (when held within cavity429). The patient-side connector 400 also defines a second cutoutportion 409 that reduces the weight of the overall device and alsoprovides a way of visually inspecting the O-ring 405 held within theO-ring groove 406. Further, the cutout portion 409 provides medicalpersonnel with a way of visually confirming if the transfer cap 300, ifheld within cavity 429, is properly positioned relative to the O-ring405 to provide a fluid-tight seal. As mentioned with respect to theday-side connector 200, the patient-side connector 400 includes anoptional alignment indicator 404 that provides a visual indicator to theuser as to the proper orientation of the patient-side connector 400relative to the day-side connector (and the respective alignmentindicator 204).

Referring to FIGS. 22-25, the transfer cap 300 has a body 301 thatincludes an annular inlet flange and an annular outlet flange 321 eachextending radially outward and circumferentially with respect to thebody 301. The tabs 310 are connected to the annular flange 321 andextend axially and circumferentially toward the annular inlet flange320. The tabs 310 each include leading ends 315 that protrude radiallyoutward from the tabs 310 to snap-fit with the recess 407 in thepatient-side connector 400. The annular flange 321 is connected to apair of alignment members 312 that define axially extending rails 327along an inner surface thereof. The alignment members 312 arecircumferentially offset with respect to the tabs 310 and extendradially outward with respect to axial centerline CL (FIG. 9). Thealignment grooves 228 a, 228 b extend radially inward from an innersurface of the cavity 328 and include a depth sufficient to mate withthe height of the corresponding alignment rails 227 of the day-sideconnector 200, such as with a sliding friction or interference fit. Theannular flange 320 acts as a depth stop which operatively abuts againstthe annular flange 220 of the day-side connector 200 to maintain thetransfer cap 300 in a proper axial orientation with respect to theday-side connector 200 and patient-side connector 400.

The annular inlet flange 320 defines an internal cavity 328 having aninternal surface that is contoured to mate with and receive the day-sideconnector 200. The alignment members 312 include a raised, trapezoidallyshaped grooves are shaped to correspond to the outer contours of thealignment rails 227 and the inner contours of the raised, trapezoidallyshaped grooves 412. The grooves 312 provide a relatively smooth profileto the outer periphery of the transfer cap 300, such as when thetransfer cap 300 is connected to the day-side connector 200 and thepatient-side connector 400 has been removed, and act as alignmentgrooves ensuring that the patient-side connector 400 and/or day-sideconnector 200 are properly positioned and fitted within the cavity 429.

The body 301 includes the annular outlet opening 330 and is reduced indiameter relative to grooves 312, tabs 310 and annular flanges 320, 321.Referring to FIG. 9, the annular outlet opening 330 has a reduceddiameter to matingly engage with the O-ring 405 of the annular outletopening 403 of the patient-side connector 400 to form a fluid tight sealtherebetween. In addition, the annular outlet opening 330 operativelyabuts against the annular flange 430 of the patient-side connector 400and is viewable in the window 409 of the patient-side connector.

The quick release tabs 310 are only partially secured along a first edgeof the generally rectangular members so that the tabs 310 are relativelyeasily compressible and to impart a spring bias force to the tabs 310.The recess 307 is a cutout portion that provides the tabs 310 with thespring force and which acts as a detent or stop for the raised, leadingend 211 of the tabs 210 of the day-side connector 200 (when held withincavity 328). The recess 317 also acts as an alignment groove for thealignment indicator 204 of the day-side connector 200.

Referring to FIGS. 22-27, the transfer cap 300 includes an annularopening 335 which acts as a valve channel or cylinder for stem 386 ofthe check valve 380 operatively held therein. The annular opening 335 issized and shaped to receive the leading end of the male tubingconnection 225 of the day-side connector and to form a fluid tight sealwith the O-ring 205 and tubing connection 225. In addition, the annularopening 335 and the annular opening 330 are separated by the valve seat385 which further defines a fluid conduit 388 permitting fluid flowthrough the transfer cap 300 (if the check valve is opened). The checkvalve 385 has a valve crown 384 sized and shaped to provide apredetermined surface area that resists fluid flow until a relativelylow fluid pressure is achieved, e.g., slightly above atmosphericpressure or other predetermined pressure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the raised leading edge 415 and recesses 407operatively engage with the adjacent, raised leading edge 315 of thequick release tabs 310 when the transfer cap 300 is properly fittedwithin an annular opening 428 defined by an upstream side of thepatient-side connector 400. The quick release tabs 410, 310 includeknurled or profiled surfaces 411, 311 which facilitates the usersqueezing the quick release tabs 410, 310 with their fingers. The quickrelease tabs 410, 310 are relatively rectangular in shape and aresecured to the patient-side connector 400 and transfer cap 300 at only afirst side, e.g., opposite from the leading edges 415, 315. Therefore,the quick release tabs 410, 310 act as leaf springs that are relativelyflexible and are relatively easily compressed by the user squeezing thequick release tabs 410, 310, such as by squeezing tabs 410 to releasethe patient-side connector 400 from operative engagement with thetransfer cap 300. The quick release tabs 310 each include an inherentspring force that biases the tabs 310 into locking position with thesurrounding and adjacent patient-side connector.

Referring to FIG. 9, the day-side connector 200, transfer cap 300 andpatient-side connector 400 are held together by the cooperativeengagement of the raised leading ends 211, 315, 415 of the tabs 310,410, 310, respectively. For example, when the day-side connector is snapfit within an annular opening 328 defined by the annular flange 320 ofthe transfer cap 300, the raised, leading ends 211 of the tabs 210 arespring biased to fit within a detent or recess 307 formed within thetransfer cap 300. If the transfer cap 300 is secured within thepatient-side connector 400 (as shown in FIG. 9), the raised, leadingends 315 of the tabs 310 are spring biased to operatively fit within adetent or recess 407 (see FIG. 16) of the surrounding patient-sideconnector 400. The recesses (307, 407) are defined by the respectiveannular flanges 320, 421 of the transfer cap 300 and patient-sideconnector 400, respectively. The tabs 210, 310, 410 therefore provide arelatively easy way to release and secure the transfer cap 300 andpatient-side connector 400 to each other and to the day-side connector200, such as with a snap, spring-biased fit.

The fluid conduit connector assembly 51 provides a simple, fluid-tighttubing connection between day-side and patient-side tubing sets. Inaddition, the transfer cap 300, which may be separately left inoperative connection with the day-side connector 200, provides aprotective covering for the day-side set 35 while patient-side sets arebeing replaced or between surgeries.

The patient-side set 55 includes the patient side connector 400, thesurgical tubing section 50 b secured to the annular outlet opening 413,and the transfer cap 300 when a new patient-side set 55 is ready to beattached to the day-side set 35. Typically, the transfer cap 300 isalready secured within the interior cavity 429 of the patient sideconnector 400 when medical personnel secure the patient-side set 55 tothe day-side connector 200. However, the transfer cap 300 is alsocapable of being secured to the day-side connector 200 first, followedby the attachment of the patient-side connector 400 to the transfer cap300. The pair of alignment grooves 327 mate with and receivecorresponding alignment rails 227 which extend axially andcircumferentially with respect to centerline CL. The alignment rails 227and the alignment grooves 327 are sized and shaped to provide a sliding,clearance fit therebetween and to ensure proper positioning of thepatient-side set 55 relative to the day-side connector 200. The day-sideconnector 200, transfer cap 300 and patient-side connector 400operatively and matingly engage together with a snap-fit and/orinterference fit.

The opposing quick release tabs 410 of the patient-side connector 400permit medical personnel to release the patient-side connector 400 fromthe snap fit with the underlying transfer cap 300. Medical personnelremove the patient-side connector 400 from the transfer cap 300 bysqueezing the quick release tabs 410 and pulling the patient-sideconnector 400 in a direction away from the day-side connector 200. Whenthe patient-side connector 400 is removed, the transfer cap 300 remainsattached to the day-side connector 200, because of the spacing, or gaps316, between the tabs 410 and the tabs 310. The gaps 316 permit thetransfer cap tabs 310 to be depressed sufficiently to release the raisedleading ends 315 from the patient-side connector recesses 407 withoutcontacting the day-side connector tabs 210. Thus, as a result of thegaps 316, the patient-side connector 400 can be removed while thetransfer cap 300 remains attached to the day-side connector 200.

The transfer cap 300 includes the one-way check valve 380 and protectsthe male tubing connection 225 of the day-side connector fromunnecessary exposure or contamination from debris, air and inadvertentcontact while the patient side set 55 is being removed or replaced. Thetransfer cap 300 also includes quick release tabs 310 permitting medicalpersonnel to release the transfer cap 300 from the snap fit with theunderlying day-side connector 200. If medical personnel are ready toconnect a new patient-side set 55 to the day-side connector 200, medicalpersonnel remove the transfer cap 300 from the day-side connector 200 bysqueezing the quick release tabs 310 on the transfer cap 300 and pullingthe transfer cap 300 in a direction away from the day-side connector 200to expose male tubing connection 225.

Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. Forexample, the surgical tubing section 50 b can include one or more checkvalves, such as check valve 52, and/or the check valve 380 can be usedinstead of check valve 52 to control fluid flow on the patient-side set55 of system components. In addition, the check valve 380 can be omittedfrom the fluid conduit connector assembly 51 for use in applications inwhich there is no requirement to reduce backflow, such as in single-usedisposable systems or resterilizable devices. The fluid conduitconnector assembly 51 can be applied to tubing, hose, piping and/or anyother type of fluid conduit that can be connected in sections.

The fluid conduit connector assembly 51 can be machined or molded fromplastic, such as PVC or polypropylene, and/or any other suitablematerial. One or more of the connectors 200, 300, 400 can be formedpartially or entirely from a relatively transparent material, such asclear PVC or polypropylene. In addition, alternative implementations canutilize Luer twist-lock or threaded connections to secure the day-sideconnector 200 to the transfer cap 300, or to secure the transfer cap 300to the patient-side connector 400, in lieu of the snap-fit engagementdescribed above. One or both of the connectors 200, 400 can include aface seal, instead of the respective O-ring 205, 405, to form afluid-tight seal against a radial surface of the transfer member 300.Similarly, the transfer member 300 can include one or more face seals,in lieu of one or both of the O-rings of the mating connectors 200, 400,to form a fluid-tight seal against a radial surface of the respectivemating connector 200, 400. Furthermore, a fluid-tight seal can be formedbetween one or both of the connectors 200, 400 and the transfer member300 by a plastic-to-plastic radial interference fit, for example,between the male connector 225 and the annular inlet opening 335, or theannular inlet opening 403 and the annular outlet opening 330.

Referring to FIGS. 28A-28E, an alternative embodiment of a fluid conduitconnector assembly 2800 includes a day-side tubing section 50 aoperatively connected to a patient-side tubing connection 50 b through afluid conduit connector assembly 2800. The device 2800 includes apatient-side connector 2840 having an integral check valve therein (notshown), a protective cap 2830 and a day-side connector 2820. Thepatient-side connector 2840 threads onto the day-side connector 2820 andseals with a tapered, conical fit. After a surgical procedure iscompleted, the patient set is removed and the protective cap 2830 isunthreaded from a storage position (FIGS. 28A-28C) and installed on theday-side connector 2820. The patient-side tubing 50 b and patient-sideconnector 2840 can be discarded and the protective cap 2830 remains inplace until the next patient-side set is ready to be connected.

Referring to FIGS. 29A-29D, an alternative embodiment of a fluid conduitconnector assembly 2900 includes a day-side tubing section 50 aoperatively connected to a patient-side tubing connection 50 b through afluid conduit connector assembly 2900. The device 2900 includes apatient side connector 2940, a day-side connector 2920, a protective cap2930 integrally formed and connected to the day-side connector 2920, anda pinch clamp valve 2925 for controlling fluid flow in the day-sidetubing section 50 a. The patient-side connector 2940 is threaded ortwisted onto the day-side connector 2920, such as with a typicalthreaded or twist-lock Luer connection or other tapered, conical fit.The surgical procedure is performed, the surgical tubing section 50 a isclamped with clamp 2925 and the patient-side connector 2940 is removed.The protective cap 2930 is secured over the exposed end of the day-sideconnector 2920 and the day-side set 35 is protected until the nextpatient-side connector 2940 is ready to be connected. The patient-sideconnector 2940 can also include a check valve assembly to maintain fluidflow in a single direction, e.g., from the day-side to the patient-sideonly.

Referring to FIGS. 30-34, an alternative embodiment of a fluid conduitconnector assembly 3000 includes a day-side tubing section 50 aoperatively connected to a patient-side tubing connection 50 b through afluid conduit connector assembly 3000. The device 3000 includes apatient-side connector 3040 having an integrated check valve 3080, and aday-side connector 3020. The patient-side connector 3040 includes aprotective shield 3045 and a male tubing connection 3045. The day-sideconnector 3020 includes a flexible shroud 3025 that is compressiblebetween a protective, conical profile (FIG. 33), and a compressed, openstate (FIG. 34). The flexible shroud 3025 encapsulates the sealingsurfaces of the day-side connector and maintains cleanliness by avoidingdirect contact with any contaminated surfaces. The patient-sideconnector 3040 is threaded together with the day-side connector 3020.The patient-side connector 3040 is rotated until the shroud 3025compresses to expose a fluid flow path within the day-side connector3020 to a fluid flow conduit 3045 of the patient-side connector 3040.Although no transfer cap is provided, the patient-side connector 3040and protective shroud 3020 protect the day-side set 35 fromcontamination by avoiding unnecessary exposure of the fluid flow path ofthe day-side connector 3020 unless the shroud is compressed andconnected to the patient-side connector 3040 (FIG. 34).

Referring to FIGS. 35-40, an alternative embodiment of a fluid conduitconnector assembly 3500 includes a day-side tubing section 50 aoperatively connected to a patient-side tubing connection 50 b through afluid conduit connector assembly 3500. The device includes a day-sideconnector 3520, a transfer cap 3530, and a patient-side connector 3540.The patient-side connector 3540 includes an umbrella valve or checkvalve 3580. The patient side connector 3540 is snap-fit onto the dayconnector 3520. The patient-side connector 3540 includes the integraltransfer cap 3530 which includes bayonet-type mount for engaging acorresponding surface of the day-side connector 3520 and male fluidoutlet 3525. The transfer cap 3530 is not removed until the patient-sideconnector 3540 is removed. The patient-side connector 3540 is removed byunscrewing the connector 3540 from the transfer cap 3530. The downstreamend of the transfer cap 3530 includes a releasing tab that is thensqueezed to release the transfer cap 3530 from the day-side connector(FIG. 38) when the next patient-side set is ready for use.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made. For example, any ofthe aforementioned embodiments can incorporate a snap-fit, a twist-lockor threaded engagement between the day-connector, transfer cap,protective cap, and/or patient-side connector. The aforementioneddevices can incorporate one or more check valves or other valves, suchas a high flow, duckbill, umbrella or ball check valve. Any of theaforementioned devices can be used in conjunction with tubing clampsthat facilitate isolating fluid flow within surgical tubing connectionsas patient-side sets 55 are operatively connected and disconnected fromday-side sets 35. Although the transfer cap of some of the aboveembodiments has been described as a separate member, the transfer capcould be eliminated and the check valve incorporated into the patientside connector. In such an embodiment, when the patient side connectoris removed from the day set, the user would cover the day set connectorwith an aseptic covering.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. A fluid conduit connector assembly, comprising: a connector having abody with an inner surface defining a fluid channel, and including aninlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, and an outletregion for flow of fluid from the fluid channel, the connector furtherincluding: an axial alignment member outward of the body; and a pair offlexible tabs arranged generally circumferentially of the alignmentmember and outward of the body.
 2. The fluid conduit connector assemblyof claim 1, further comprising an annular flange connecting thealignment member and the tabs.
 3. The fluid conduit connector assemblyof claim 1, further comprising an opposing axial alignment memberoutward of the body.
 4. The fluid conduit connector assembly of claim 3,wherein the alignment members comprise rails.
 5. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet region of the body hasan outer surface defining an annular groove.
 6. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 5, further comprising an O-ring within thegroove.
 7. The fluid conduit connector assembly of claim 1, wherein theoutlet region of the body includes a face seal.
 8. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet region of the body hasan outer surface defining an annular groove.
 9. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 8, further comprising an O-ring within thegroove.
 10. The fluid conduit connector assembly of claim 1, wherein theinlet region of the body includes a face seal.
 11. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a checkvalve.
 12. The fluid conduit connector assembly of claim 1, wherein theconnector comprises a patient-side connector and further comprising atransfer member.
 13. The fluid conduit connector assembly of claim 12wherein the transfer member has a body with an inner surface defining afluid channel, and including an inlet region for flow of fluid into thefluid channel, and an outlet region for flow of fluid from the fluidchannel, the transfer member further including: an axial alignmentmember outward of the body; and a pair of flexible tabs arrangedgenerally circumferentially of the alignment member and outward of thebody.
 14. The fluid conduit connector assembly of claim 13 wherein thetransfer member includes a check valve.
 15. The fluid conduit connectorassembly of claim 13 wherein the transfer member includes an opposingaxial alignment member outward of the body.
 16. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 15 wherein the transfer member alignmentmembers face inward and the transfer member further comprises anopposing pair of alignment members facing outward.
 17. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 12 further comprising a day-side connector,the transfer member being releasably attachable to the day-sideconnector and the patient-side connector.
 18. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 17, wherein the day-side connector includesa body with an inner surface defining a fluid channel, and including aninlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, and an outletregion for flow of fluid from the fluid channel, the day-side connectorfurther including: an axial alignment member outward of the body; and apair of flexible tabs arranged generally circumferentially of thealignment member and outward of the body.
 19. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 13 further comprising a day-side connector,including a body with an inner surface defining a fluid channel, andincluding an inlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, andan outlet region for flow of fluid from the fluid channel, the day-sideconnector further including: an axial alignment member outward of thebody; and a pair of flexible tabs arranged generally circumferentiallyof the alignment member and outward of the body, wherein each of thealignment members and each of the tabs are aligned such that theday-side connector, the patient-side connector, and the transfer membercan be attached by sliding the alignment members relative to each other,and detached by pressing on respective tabs.
 20. The fluid conduitconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises aday-side connector.
 21. The fluid conduit connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the connector comprises a transfer member including a checkvalve.
 22. A fluid conduit connector assembly, comprising: a day-sideconnector including a pair of flexible tabs; a patient-side connectorincluding a pair of flexible tabs; and a transfer member including apair of flexible tabs, the three pairs of tabs configured such that thetransfer member releasably couples the day-side and patient-sideconnectors.
 23. The fluid conduit connector assembly of claim 22 whereinthe day-side connector, the patient-side connector, and the transfermember each include an alignment member such that when coupled, thealignment members cause the three pairs of tabs to align.
 24. A methodfor aseptically connecting a fluid conduit, the method comprising:coupling a first fluid connector having a first fluid outlet and areleasable transfer member to a second fluid connector having a secondfluid outlet to form a leak resistant fluid connection, wherein thetransfer member is coupled in a position intermediate to the first fluidoutlet and the second fluid outlet and includes a check valve forcontrolling flow in a direction from the first fluid outlet toward thesecond fluid outlet; and removing the first fluid connector from thetransfer member and the second fluid connector, wherein the transfermember and the second fluid connector retain the leak resistant fluidconnection.